Who Are You?

Who Are You?
 Stop and think for a moment about all the towns, cities, states and countries in which you currently have family residing. For some, in may be a long list! For others, a much shorter list.
As you think about your life journey, what are some of the skills or learnings you have acquired along the way, such as: a language, skill, hobby, or service to others?

You may have heard the phrase, “Your vibe attracts your tribe!” To expand that a little, we might say interests, activities, experiences, values, and priorities all tend to be things that bring people together. It’s not the only way, but a common way.

In the Bible we find a beautiful description and definition of the “tribe” to which we belong as believers in Christ:
⁹ But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
¹⁰ Once you were not a people,
but now you are God’s people;
    once you had not received mercy,
but now you have received mercy.
¹¹ Beloved, I urge you as aliens and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh that wage war against the soul. ¹² Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that, though they malign you as evildoers, they may see your honorable deeds and glorify God when he comes to judge.  (1 Peter 2:9-12)
 
That is such Good News, you may want to read it again! Then, consider these contrasts:
Once you were not a people (no unity, identity), but now you are declared the people of God! Once you were in need of mercy (forgiveness, grace), but now you have received mercy through Christ! Once you were in the darkness (unaware of truth, uncertain, feeling vulnerable) but now you live in the wonderful light of Christ (identity, purpose, and community with others)!

4832 Ponderings:

• Why did God do this?
• For what purpose has God made this change in your life?
• What’s the bigger picture here? How might your relationship with God and His people impact others near and far?
• What challenges do we face today in light of the challenge of verse 12?

 
More Ponderings:

• When is it difficult for you to remember your “royal identity?”
• What things are important to remember when you succeed at your purpose? When you feel like you’ve failed?

 
Closing Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for Your assurance that since You are for us, no one can be against us! You gave for us Your very own Son, and we know You graciously give us all things we need. We ask that You give us boldness and confidence since we know that Jesus conquered death and is at Your right side interceding for us! Thank you! In His name we pray…Amen! (based on Romans 8:31-34)